Authors

  1. Li, Shuangxi BN, RN
  2. Dang, Lei BN, RN
  3. Chen, Jie BN, RN
  4. Liang, Yali BN, RN
  5. Song, Laichang MD
  6. Wang, Wenhui PhD

Abstract

Our objective was to compare the efficacy of different lengths of rubber tube (6 French) on patients with esophageal stent implantation performed using a silk thread. We measured the effects in terms of pain and foreign body sensation felt in the pharynx and esophageal mucosa of the patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted using records of 65 patients who were divided into 3 groups. Group A had 20 cases with the distal end of the tube toward the nasal cavity, Group B had 21 cases with the distal end of the tube reaching the nasopharynx without exceeding the soft palate, and Group C had 24 cases with the distal end of the tube toward the upper end of the stent. Follow-up was performed on 1 day, 2 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks postoperatively. During each period, the pain scores for Groups B and C were lower than those for Group A (p < .05), whereas no difference was observed when Groups B and C were compared. Although no variations were seen between the 3 groups in terms of the proportion of patients with foreign body sensation on the first day (p > .05), Groups A and B had a lower proportion than Group C (p < .05) at those periods. No difference was observed when Groups A and B were compared. In conclusion, the Group B method was successful in alleviating the side effects caused by the silk thread.